Top News:
David Villavicencio / MLB.com:
Espinosa picking up slack in the field — MIAMI — Danny Espinosa impressed the Nationals with his potent bat during a September callup last season, but the rookie second baseman is also turning heads with his glove. — The 24-year-old made several outstanding defensive plays in Saturday night's 5-2 win over the Marlins.
RELATED:
David Villavicencio / MLB.com:
Hairston's versatility paying off for Nats — MIAMI — With a rash of injuries affecting several of his teammates, Jerry Hairston Jr. has played a key role for the Nationals this season. — The versatile veteran has been invaluable to manager Jim Riggleman.
David Villavicencio / MLB.com:
Nats embrace chance to honor mothers — Bats, shoes, Pudge's catching gear decked out in pink — MIAMI — Mother's Day is special for everyone in Major League Baseball, but it means a lot for several Nationals to be able to honor so many important women in their lives.
Steve Dorsey / MLB.com:
Nationals have several ninth-inning options
Peter Abraham / Boston Globe:
Iglesias called up; Scutaro on DL — As expected, shortstop Jose Iglesias has been called up from AAA Pawtucket. Marco Scutaro is on the disabled list with a strained left oblique. — Terry Francona made it clear that Iglesias is here temporarily as a backup.
RELATED:
Peter Abraham / Boston Globe:
Scutaro to DL; Iglesias on his way — A Major League source said last night that the Red Sox are “likely” to promote 21-year-old shortstop Jose Iglesias today to take the place of injured Marco Scutaro. — Scutaro, who was pinch-hit for in the eighth inning of the Red Sox' 4-0 victory against Minnesota …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Peter Abraham / Boston Globe:
Scutaro injured; Jose Iglesias ‘likely’ to be called up tomorrow
Scutaro injured; Jose Iglesias ‘likely’ to be called up tomorrow
Discussion:
Red Sox Beacon, Over the Monster and joy of sox
Sports Illustrated:
Verlander tosses second no-hitter … Justin Verlander threw his second career no-hitter and the second in the big leagues this week, leading the Detroit Tigers to a 9-0 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. — There has rarely been much subtle about how Justin Verlander gets batters out.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors and Yahoo! Sports
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Associated Press:
Liriano miss start after no-no … BOSTON (AP) — Minnesota left-hander Francisco Liriano will wait another day to follow up his no-hitter, having his next start pushed back because of flu symptoms and a sore throat. — Liriano threw a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night for the first this season in the majors.
Discussion:
Canadian Press and Associated Press
Associated Press:
Ethier hits two-run homer as Dodgers double up Mets — NEW YORK — Andre Ethier got back on track with a two-run homer, Clayton Kershaw struck out eight and the struggling Los Angeles Dodgers beat the New York Mets 4-2 on Sunday to snap a four-game losing streak.
Tim Sullivan / SignOnSanDiego.com:
It might be time for Padres to consider using bullpen as trade bait — The time has come for the Padres to consider rebalancing their portfolio. To reduce risk through diversification. To improve the bottom line by being less top-heavy. — To break up the bullpen and reinvest in a bat.
Peter Abraham / Boston Globe:
Game 34: Twins at Red Sox — Here are the lineups: — RED SOX (15-18) — Ellsbury CF — Pedroia 2B — Gonzalez 1B — Youkilis 3B — Ortiz DH — Drew RF — Lowrie SS — Crawford LF — Varitek C — Pitching: RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (2-3, 4.33) — TWINS (12-19) — TBA
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports, Over the Monster and Twinkie Town
Ian Begley / ESPN:
Mets RHP Young to DL for shoulder tightness — NEW YORK — The New York Mets have placed right-hander Chris Young on the disabled list because of tightness in the back of his right shoulder. — The team has called left-hander Pat Misch up from Triple-A Buffalo to replace Young.
Discussion:
Mets Today and Amazin' Avenue
Fox Sports:
Twins' middle-infield needs persist — Japanese infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka likely will move from second base to shortstop after he returns from a fractured left tibia. But that doesn't mean he's the answer at the position for the Twins. — Nishioka told the Twins in spring training …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors